Monday, 12 May 2014

UKAWA ISSUE SCHEDULE FOR THERE COUNTRY WIDE RALLY

The Coalition of Defenders of People’s Constitution (Ukawa) yesterday issued the schedule for their countrywide public rallies aimed at creating awareness on the ongoing Constitution-making process.

According to the timetable, the meetings, which will be preceded by peaceful demonstrations, will start on May 14 to May 27, encompassing three major zones: Northern Zone, Central Zone and Southern Highlands Zone.The aim of the rallies, according to Dr Willibroad Slaa, the Chadema secretary general, is to provide education to the public over the ongoing Katiba making process that has culminated in a tug-of-war between the proponents of three-government and two-government systems.Speaking in Dar es Salaam yesterday, Dr Slaa said Ukawa outside the Parliament are determined to make sure the new Constitution the country will have, will adhere to citizens’ opinions, “unlike those being advocated by the ruling CCM.”The three zones, according to Mr Julius Mtatiro, the deputy secretary general of CUF, will be led by three opposition political heavyweights including Mr Mosena Nyambade (NCCR Mageuzi –Secretary general) in the Central Zone, assisted by two members - Ashura Mustafa (CUF) and John Heche (Chadema). Dr Slaa will take the lead in the Northern Zone assisted by Mr Mustafa Wandwi (CUF) and Mr Ahmed Msabaha (NCCR-Mageuzi). The Southern Highlands Zone will be led by Prof Ibrahim Lipumba, the CUF chairman, assisted by Mr Said Issa (Chadema) and Mr Martin Danda.

“We will have public rallies countrywide. These will be preceded by peaceful demonstrations. We’d like to urge the police and other coercive instruments not to interfere with these meetings. They need to treat us as they have been treating CCM meetings, ” said Dr Slaa. Dr Slaa added: “Ukawa is here to stay.Its members are working collaboratively to make sure that the Constitution of the people is obtained. It is just too bad for those who believe that Ukawa is a mere passing cloud.”Mr Mtatiro said Tanzanians should be aware that after finishing the Katiba-making process, the next task will be the Constitution building process.“If we will do a mistake by letting one political party drive its agenda on behalf of the public, we are not going to have a people-centered constitution,” said Mr Mtatiro